***Nigerian soccer star Rashidi Yekini is at the top of his game. And with the African Nations Cup and the World Cup both slated for later this year, his timing could not be better. But as this Gemini News Service profile shows, life for an African sports star in Europe can be fraught with difficulties, including racism.***
Award-winning soccer star Rashidi Yekini teas the recipe for sporting success. “God Is the top
secrei behind my goals." aays Yekini. a devout Muslim. "My goals come directly from God.
That is why many times I go Into a game and some op ponents boast that they would prevent me from scoring. I aimjtey laugh at them. No man can stop what God has de
His unwavering faith has helped get Nigeria into this year s World Cup finals in the US and into the African Nations Cup in Tunisia in March, ft has also helped him overcome the racist taunts from rival supporters of Vitoria Setubal. the Portuguese club for which he plays in Europe ^^Raciom exists but I prefer ^■foocr it." he says The im-^3hant thing Is what is In your heart and conscience.
S<^ne spectators from other clubs make monkey noises Ha. ha it Just goes to show how stupid they are be cause they don't know there are also white monkeys! Monkeys aren't only one colour
But it is the national level with which he is most concerned Nothing gives me greater pleasure than scoring for mv country." says the 30 year-old striker
It was his goal a game pace in Nigeria's eight match World Cup qualifying rounds that secured the Super Eagles trip to the US. The display also helped Yekini pick up accolades off the field as he was named Africa a Footballer of the Year by both the Confederation of African Football and the influential Afrique Football magazine
Only the Baton OOr (Golden fall) awarded by France Football escaped him going instead to his West African ri val. Abed! Peie of Ghana. In the African Notions Cup. the draw means Pela's Ghana Black Stars are unlikely to meet Nigeria before the semi finals
If both teams progress, which means there will be Utile opportunity for a direct comparison between Africa s two leading strikers
But already the last laugh goes to Yekini who will be in the thick of the acypn at the World Cup while Pele will once again have, to watch the world's
greatest soccer spectacle on television
And Yekini Is tipped to make as big an impression on the world stage this year as Cameroon's Roger Milla did in the 1990 World Cup tn Italy
Superlatives haw not always been associated with Yekini s name During the 198Os. occa sioual outstanding goals were punctuated by a number of barren games He hardly played during the qualifying rounds for the 1990 World Cup or 1992 African Nations Cup but. was recalled for the 1992 finals in Senegal and left Dakar clutching the Golden Boot as the tournament s lop scorer
The way he hhs matured into a regular goal grabber has invited comparisons with world's best. Including the great Dutchman Marco Van Hasten.
But it has.not always been easy for him to make It into
the Super Eagles line-up. The Vitoria Setubal management has frowned on his leaving Europe to play for the Nigerian side.
On one occasion the club coach complained about It to the Portuguese press, says Yekini: T told him nobody, repeat nobody, can stop me playing for my fatherland. Nigeria Is my birthplace and I will return after my career in Europe.
Yekini has since warned the Portuguese club s management that he will continue to do his best in Europe but m4I1 appear for Nigeria whenever required
"Even if Nigeria were playing against ants and cock roaches and I am in the team. I will go “ he says.
Racist chants and the battle to leave his club for national team matches Is only part of the trouble Yekini has faced since moving to Portugal in the 1990-91 season Feeling he Is underpaid despite a goalscor Ing outburst that secured the club's promotion into the Portuguese first division last season he says he will lolerale them and then get out when his contract expired in May
1 would say to other footballers don t come to Portugal. Yekini says "Yoh are Just coming to waste your time "
"There s nothing in Portugal." he says "Nothing to write home about The whole place is dry AU I do is play my football and listen to music
Despite his recent Interna tional triumphs and his an guish in Portugal Yekini is philosophical about the day when he can develop his talents elsewhere
"I told myself that God wanted me to make some sac rifice al the chib before proceeding to greater things." he says. “I believe my fortune still lies ahead " - GEMINI NEWS
About the Author: PHIL MINSHULL is a British sports Journalist who turtles regularly on soccer /or both the European and Afrsxir media.